The IDF’s entry signals a shift in doctrine: from containment to full territorial control.

By Hezy Laing

Military sources and media outlets in Gaza report that IDF tanks and troops have penetrated the southern and eastern areas of Deir al-Balah, marking a major escalation in operations.

Until now, this central Gaza city had largely remained free of Israeli ground presence, making it one of the last holdouts in the Strip.

The offensive is being spearheaded by the Golani Infantry Brigade, accompanied by armored units and combat engineers. This advance followed intense artillery barrages and aerial assaults overnight and into Monday morning.

The day before, the IDF issued evacuation notices to neighborhoods in southwest Deir al-Balah, where many displaced Palestinians had sought shelter.

According to UN estimates, between 50,000 and 80,000 civilians were present in the area when the evacuation orders were announced on Sunday.

Deir al-Balah, located in central Gaza, is strategically placed between Gaza City and Khan Yunis, and serves as a key connector in the Strip’s north-south axis.

The city offers control over vital arteries such as Salah al-Din Road and the coastal access to al-Mawasi, essential for both military logistics and humanitarian aid flow.

Due to its proximity to other core refugee camps like Nuseirat, Bureij, and Maghazi, Deir al-Balah serves as a tactical entry point into Hamas’s last operational zones.

Military intelligence suggests the area contains fortified Hamas positions, a network of tunnels, and weapon caches, making it a high-value target in the ongoing campaign.